The Pay Scale Needs A Boost

Our Towns: Vernon

September 01, 1995

A study revealing that many Vernon employees aren't paid as well as those in other towns is disturbing. Raising wages to a more competitive rate may be costly at first, but it should be done -- and quickly. Otherwise, Vernon could lose valuable people and have trouble finding qualified workers.

The study found what many already suspected -- that salaries of nonunion employees were 3.5 percent lower than those in surrounding towns. It suggests adjusting pay to be more competitive. The cost would be about $90,000 for the first year. The investment in competent staff is worth the expense.

The discrepancy is large enough to discourage current staff as well as prospective employees. Capable people know they can command a good salary. No matter how much they may like the town or the working environment, some may not stay if they can get more money doing the same work somewhere else. The pay inconsistencies between towns are most noticeable among mid-level professionals -- engineers, for example. Town officials say such employees are the most marketable and the hardest to replace.

Losing staff is costly. The town forfeits expertise and historical knowledge. Training someone new requires time.

Low salaries hamper department heads when hiring, too. Vernon may have to settle for people with little experience who aren't qualified to handle the demands of running a town of 30,000. Drawing applicants from smaller towns seeking to step up may be a problem if their present salaries are higher than what Vernon offers. The town wouldn't want to be last choice.

Quality employees deserve adequate pay. It's time Vernon caught up with its neighbors.